Funeral Costs Rising Amid Middle East Conflict
In recent months, partly due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the prices of essentials such as fuel, food, and travel have increased sharply. Alongside these, funerals have quietly become more expensive over the years.
According to a report by insurance company SunLife, the average cost of a basic funeral in England in 2025 is approximately £4,285, marking a 3.5% increase from 2024.
As a result of these rising costs, more individuals are opting for more affordable alternatives like direct cremations, where no attendees are present. However, for some, this choice leaves a feeling of having missed the opportunity to say a proper goodbye.
The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) reported that nearly one in five people who arrange a direct cremation now regret their decision, and a similar proportion say they experienced unresolved grief.
Personal Impact of Unattended Cremations
Ed Cullen, from Taunton in Somerset, shared his experience following his mother's death. She had arranged an unattended cremation, believing it to be a cheaper option, which left him and his family without the chance to say farewell.
"I was told she made funeral arrangements but not what type of funeral," Cullen said.
"She was quite private and didn't express that in depth. She thought she was saving us all the hassle."
"I was estranged from my mother as a youngster. Over the last 20 years I got very close to her and not being able to say goodbye to her, not being able to say farewell has left me with a lot of stress and painful memories."
"I would never recommend this way of being taken away and buried to anybody. It leaves a lot of devastation behind."
Cullen advised that individuals struggling with funeral expenses could seek assistance from the government or discuss affordable options with funeral directors.
The government provides a subsidy called the Funeral Expenses Payment to eligible people receiving certain benefits, which can help cover some funeral costs.
On average, this subsidy covers approximately 46% of total funeral expenses for recipients, according to the SunLife report.
Additionally, public health funerals are available as basic services arranged and funded by local authorities.
Industry Perspective on Rising Funeral Costs
Simon Helliar-Moore, an independent funeral director based in Taunton, explained that costs associated with funerals, including crematorium fees and coffins, increase annually.
"Being a business that tries to care, those costs have to be passed on. We are in a difficult situation," he said.
"It's about families researching and maybe not just using their local funeral provider.
Most independent funeral directors would look to work with families to make sure they get the appropriate farewell."
Financial Impact on Families
Terry Tennens, chief executive of SAIF, emphasized the emotional significance of funerals beyond financial aspects.
"A funeral is not just about loss, it is about remembrance, connection and celebration of life.
Our findings show that when families are denied that moment, some can be left with a lasting sense that something important is missing.
It underlines why open conversations about funeral wishes matter so much, so that decisions made after a death reflect not just financial considerations, but also the emotional needs of those left behind."
A spokesperson from the Department for Work and Pensions stated:
"Losing a loved one is devastating and we understand the financial impact it can have on families.
That's why we have a Funeral Expenses Payment scheme to help those who are eligible meet the cost of arranging a funeral, while offering an additional £1,000 to meet other funeral expenses.
We also offer Bereavement Support Payments to help people through the immediate period following a bereavement."
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